| When the Cougars run: Although the Cougars had a breakthrough running the ball last week, it came against a weak Oregon defense. This Bruins group, on the other hand, is tops in the Pac-10 against the run and figures to do well again this week. UCLA is allowing barely 78 yards a game to its opponents. EDGE: UCLA |
| When the Cougars pass: Alex Brink hasn’t been throwing the ball deep downfield, but his controlled effort last week helped lead the Cougars to victory. Even without lighting up the scoreboard, Brink has the opportunity to similarly take charge of this game with effective passes underneath. Doing so well would mean a big boost for the Cougars. EDGE: WSU |
| When the Bruins run: The run game has been a major problem for UCLA, but it’s impossible to think that it doesn’t at least have a chance to fare well today with the Cougars so thin up front on defense because of injury. WSU will likely have to play a lot of 3-4 this afternoon, and running against that in the I-formation – UCLA’s offense of choice – tends to favor the offense. EDGE: EVEN |
| When the Bruins pass: UCLA quarterback Patrick Cowan has fared admirably in relief of an injured Ben Olson, but the Cougars secondary has been surprisingly good. One thing to keep an eye on here is the health of cornerback Tyron Brackenridge. Without him, the WSU secondary takes a hit. EDGE: WSU |
| Coaching/intangibles: The Cougars are flying high and full of confidence this week, whereas the Bruins are trying to forget about a difficult road loss at Notre Dame. While both Bill Doba and Karl Dorrell have done well with the talent they have this season, Doba’s team is playing with a greater sense of invincibility. So long as that doesn’t lead to arrogance, it’s a big plus for the Cougars. EDGE: WSU |
| Commute: Sure, the Cougars had to take a flight from Pullman to Burbank. But factoring in the time it takes to go from Westwood to Pasadena in Los Angeles traffic, here’s guessing that it’ll take both teams about the same amount of time to get to the Rose Bowl. EDGE: EVEN |
